By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

The home of Ralph and Helen Brown, longtime organizers of cystic fibrosis yard sales, was robbed Monday after the couple returned home.

The Browns had seen two males walking in the neighborhood not long before the robbery, but didn’t think much of it until the same two males were inside their Emerald Street home.

A friend called to say she’d left her cell in the basement, and Ralph agreed to look for it. He went downstairs via the elevator in the home, but the exit was locked. He used the outside door to gain access to the basement and was met by two males, one of which had a handgun.

The men took money from Ralph Brown’s wallet and about $300 from inside the basement that the couple had from a previous yard sale. They also took Ralph’s cell phone. When the gunman was distracted, Ralph reached for the gun. The gunman grabbed Ralph’s arm with his free hand and shoved the man. He was not injured in the incident, and the two men left quickly.

The couple have been hosting and organizing yard sales twice a year for the last 12 years. It began as a way to raise money for cystic fibrosis after two of their grandchildren were diagnosed with the disease, which affects the lungs and digestive system. Ralph is a former school administrator.

No arrests have been made, but police say the suspects are both black, one with a stocky build, who was wearing who a red hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, and tennis shoes with gold trim. The second suspect was described as skinny and wearing the same outfit, but with camouflage shorts.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.